Allusion and illusion
These words are often confused. An allusion is a reference or mention. This book on Indian history makes a brief allusion to the Mesopotamian Civilization. The teacher made an allusion to Indian mythology. An...
Author: Manjusha Nambiar
Alternative and choice
An alternative is essentially a choice, but it is a serious choice which must be made. By contrast, the word choice implies more freedom. You even have the freedom to make no choice at...
Amiable and amicable
These words are often confused. The word amiable is mainly used to describe persons. An amiable person is friendly, pleasant, attractive, cordial, polite and charming. The word amicable is mainly used to describe gestures...
Idioms – L
Lead someone up the garden path To lead someone up the garden path is to give them misleading clues or signals. Turn over a new leaf To turn over a new leaf is to...
Idioms – I
Here are some common idioms. Break the ice To break the ice is to do or say things that will make people who don’t know each other well feel relaxed. On thin ice When...
Idioms – K
Here are some common idiomatic expressions in English. Keep from To keep from doing something is to avoid doing it. Keep on To keep on is to continue to do something. Keep up with...
Hurdle and hurtle
These words are often confused. A hurdle is an obstacle or barrier. The racer couldn’t clear the last hurdle. Hurdle can also be a verb. To hurdle is to jump over a hurdle. Compare:...
Immoral, amoral, immortal
These words sound somewhat similar but they have completely different meanings. Immoral means wicked. She was condemned for leading an immoral life. The court banned the immoral movie. Selling tobacco to young children is...
Idol, idle and idyll | Words confused
These words often cause confusion. Idle means ‘not active’. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the factory closed many employees were left idle. Just because you are old doesn’t mean you have...